MUMBAI: Even as the flood situation in the state is still to subside, another controversy has erupted after food packets distributed by the state were found bearing stickers of CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP MLA from Ichalkaranji in Kolhapur, Suresh Halvankar. Citizens termed it as a “promotional exercise” before the assembly polls. Biscuit packets being sent from Pune to the flood-hit zone had MP Girish Bapat’s name. Also, a local leader providing water to flood victims has been “flaunting” a hoarding displaying her photo with BJP leaders. Citizens vented their ire on social media. “They should have restrained from such promotions in times of disaster” was the common sentiment. This comes soon after minister Girish Mahajan was seen in a photo-op in a rescue boat which sparked much rage. The state had distributed foodgrain packets in Sangli and Satara with packets having stickers of Fadnavis and Halvankar. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “This is absolutely condemnable... By putting their stickers on food packets, they’ve shown that everything they do is for elections.” Leader of Opposition in the legislative council Dhananjay Munde said the government didn’t react for two days when the water level was rising and now it has its publicity material ready. In a tweet, he said the government wasted time to print stickers when the flood-affected were without food. In response to a message from TOI, the CM wrote, “No one should do it [promote themselves]... We have to be sensitive in these times.” Pune MP Bapat passed the buck to party office-bearers. MLA Halvankar said the stickers were put so people distributing these did not charge people.

After the opposition slammed BJP over the CM’s picture on bags, the ruling party on Saturday said NCP leader Jayant Patil was guilty of self-promotion during the floods. The NCP accused BJP of using a morphed image to defame Patil. Shiv Sena’s four teams will leave for Kolhapur and Sangli with relief material on Sunday.